Biological systems in nature have evolved over millions of years to adapt to environmental and ecological challenges. Nature seeks to leverage available materials with an emphasis on hierarchy and local control of microstructure to meet functional needs using the least amount of material. As such, biological systems incorporate intelligent, unique, and complex structural design concepts. Where general principles have been identified across several organisms, these have not been translated into engineered materials with similar generality. As an alternative to traditional manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing (AM) has accelerated the growth of complex parts that can greatly expand the possibilities for bioinspired applications. This talk will describe the use of bioinspiration in two cellular, hierarchical natural systems: combs made by honeybees and a deep-sea sponge known as the “Venus Flower Basket”.

Join Dr. Nikhilesh Chawla in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union at 7 p.m.